Stanmer Park, Brighton, was the setting for this year's English Schools AA National Cross-Country Championships and three Aireborough athletes, each of them representing West Yorkshire Schools, were a great credit to the district.

Elizabeth Spencer, of both Horsforth School and Holmfirth Harriers, had a tremendous run in the senior girls' (U-19) race and finished in an excellent 20th position.

Another Horsforth athlete, Alistair Brownlee of Bradford GS and Bingley Harriers, was probably a little disappointed with his performance after such a successful winter.

Nevertheless he came a creditable 48th out of over 300 national finalists in the intermediate boys' (U-16) event.

Young Jodie Gregorczcyk, of Leeds City AC and Menston St Mary's School, enjoyed the big time and finished in 113th place in the junior girls' (U-14) race out 330 starters.

Skyrac Fellrunners

Why some fell races attract 300 entries and others struggle to reach 30 runners is a mystery but race location is one factor.

Unless runners have competed in the Fiensdale Fell Race the response of most runners outside the Forest of Bowland is "where's that?"

The race organiser identifies the start with an OS grid reference which in contrast to the name of a welcoming pub is a worrying sign but necessary in the case of Fiensdale because the race starts at a bend in a country road a few miles north of Chipping.

The nine mile event has many qualities, including open moor, heather bashing and it requires some navigational ability although other adjectives may come to mind during the four crossings of a swollen Bleadale Water when runners need to clamber across the flood gates to cross the raging torrent.

Saturday's race also saw snow on the ground as well as rain and gale force winds and that only three runners from the 70 starters dropped out is a tribute to the grit that fellrunners can display.

Thoughtfully Andrew Farmer, race organiser par excellence, had ensured a massive presence by Bowland Mountain Rescue which on a day when runners were literally washed downstream in raging currents justified his planning and risk assessment.

Winner was Stefan Macina (Pudsey & Bramley) in an understandably slow time of 1.30.19 only 9 seconds ahead of local Chris Reade (Bowland). That the great Helen Diamantides (Carnethy) took 1.52.19 as first lady was evidence of the challenging conditions with Graham Breeze (Skyrac) in ironic "this is fun" mode coming in at 43rd in 2.09.30.

In contrast everyone knows where Ogden Water is because Alan Greenwood mounts a series of races from this venue and last weekend at the six miles Tina Horn Memorial Windmill Whizz race 231 runners turned up to run.

In 2002 only 39 had raced but this year the event is part of a Grand Prix series resulting in a better class of field. In weather similar to that at Fiensdale Robin Lawrence (Bingley) won in 40.08 whilst Sarah Rowell (P&B) broke the ladies record.

Over £920 was raised to improve facilities at Holy Trinity School where Tina Horn was the PE teacher.

Those running for Skyrac were Steve Batley and Malcolm Coles, both of whom were pleased with their performances as fine tuning before the first English Championship race next weekend at Lad's Leap.

Jogger or marathon runner? Log on to www.skyrac.org.uk or ring 0113 2290924 for a warm Skyrac welcome.

AireCentre Pacers

The relatively mild and dry weather of recent weeks has been of benefit to many AireCentre Pacers. Though a hardy breed, driving wind and rain can make races like the York Brass Monkey Half Marathon distinctly unpleasant.

This year's race, though in conditions very windy but mild, did entice four Pacers to compete. Richard Thompson produced an accomplished performance, to finish in 1 hour and 36 minutes. Following closely behind was the improving Chris Hill and Diane Craven at the1 hour 40 minutes mark.

Some way further back was the redoubtable Sheila Mauder - who is already embarked on matching last year's volume of races.

The vagaries of the weather and different courses struck Richard Thompson in the Liversedge Half Marathon, where he could only record a finishing time of one hour 41 minutes. Taking a more scenic approach was Matt Tupling, who chose the 25 miles Rombalds Stride for his competitive debut. He finished towards the middle of the field.

The cross-country season has been in full swing, with the last two races of the season having taken place.

A very muddy course at Kippax was not to everyone's liking. Diane Craven fell and had to retire hurt, leaving Yvonne Hampshaw to bring the ladies home in 21st place. Lynne Morris finished in 51st place.

The men's race saw the welcome return of Richard Archer, having been laid low for most of January. Some rustiness was still evident in his placing of 99th.

Seventeen places ahead of him was Chris Hill. Sadly there was no Paul Forkins to lead the team. Dogged by illness and injury, his latest close encounter has caused him to lie low for a while.

Arthur Edwards has continued his rehabilitation in the rare fied surroundings of the Northern Veterans Cross-Country Championship.

A 46th place for Arthur and 72nd place for Angela Crawford reflected only a modest participation from Pacers.

The last cross-country race of the season, held at Temple Newsam, confirmed Arthur Edwards' competitive return. A fine 73rd place was the pick of the Pacers, 18 places ahead of Chris Hill. The flowing Richard Archer showed that he is now back to full fitness with a 93rd place.

Unfortunately Mike Hildyard's return to action was not a happy one. Suffering an asthma attack he was pushed hard by Peter Phillips, as they stumbled across the line in 111th and 114th places.

Bringing up the rear was new member John Tate, making his debut cross-country run.

The women's team was sadly depleted, with only Lynne Morris to carry the banner. However, it is understood that the women have succeeded in not finishing bottom of the Cross-Country League, thus bringing forth a bottle of champagne from the president Richard Archer.

Currently absent from action is Kwai Wray. Kwai and Peter celebrated the New Year with the birth of their first child, Alexander.